“Use the force, Luke,” says Obi-Wan Kenobi in the great epic film by Modesto’s most famous former resident. Luke’s problem is he doesn’t believe what he’s capable of. Once the belief’s in place, Luke has powers comparable to those of the legions of super-heroes who preceded him in fantasy fiction. Belief is the key that releases the super-hero’s power. In The Matrix, the cyper-punk fantasy set in a machine-dominated future, […]

Modesto Mayor Jim Ridenour appeared more than a little miffed at the Bee last Wednesday night during the City Council’s discussion of the SCAP flap. Ridenour kept emphasizing that the issue had to be decided on the facts and according to the rules, not by what people read in the newspaper, as though the facts might be different from Bee reports. This is quite a departure for a man some […]

Modesto Mayoral candidate Bill Zoslocki came out swinging for growth at the July 20 luncheon at Modesto’s Vintage Gardens. The sparsely attended forum was advertised as a benefit for the group, “Advancing Vibrant Communities,” and offered candidates the opportunity to speak at length about their plans and vision. Four candidates attended, including favorites Garrad Marsh and Brad Hawn. The lesser known Ken Zanolini did nothing to suggest he’ll be able […]

Lost in the anti-government, anti-tax, pro-business rhetoric which has become the vocal currency of the day is an insidious assault on the American public. Those who know their American history realize there’s nothing new in dominance of our political institutions by wealthy elites. Old Ben Franklin feared the anti-democratic leanings of both George Washington and John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson’s candidacy against the incumbent Adams was an anti-monarchist and pro-democracy […]

Former Modesto City Councilman Bruce Frohman says, “Garrad Marsh will give the people of Modesto the best service for their tax dollars.” A close follower of local political issues for decades and a strong believer in farmland protection, Frohman has an insider’s knowledge of the local political scene. He’s also got a pretty good track record in recent elections, having backed dark horse Terry Withrow in the recent Stanislaus County […]

Residents of the Northern San Joaquin Valley who worry about sprawl, loss of farmland, loss of wildlife and open spaces, water quantity and quality and all the other issues associated with population growth have been fighting a rear guard action for years now. After decades of concern, they’re still looking at steady losses in farmland acreage, severe problems with water quality and supply, declines in social services and steadily crumbling […]